ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Redshirt freshman offensive guard Chris Bryant and freshman linebacker Kaleb Ringer have both been lost to season-ending injuries, according to a release from Michigan.
Bryant suffered a fractured tibia, and Ringer underwent knee surgery, though the university declined to specify exactly what for.
Bryant was expected to play in the two-deep on the offensive line behind Patrick Omameh at right guard. Bryant’s injury depletes the O-line, a group where Michigan coach Brady Hoke has already said four true freshmen could play.
Hoke had praised Bryant early during fall camp on his progress since spring. Sophomore walk-on Joey Burzynski, who lost a tight competition to start at left guard to senior Elliott Mealer, is the likely No. 2 at both guard spots. Freshman Kyle Kalis also could move up to the two-deep at one of the guard positions.
Ringer was an early enrollee expected to compete at the weakside linebacker position. Michigan has not revealed its depth chart for the opener against Alabama on Sept. 1, but Ringer had a shot at cracking the two-deep.
Ringer is the second true freshman to be lost for the season. Defensive end Chris Wormley suffered a torn ACL on Aug. 14.
